Pre-Trip Checklist: Orlando

Essential Preparations

A well-planned trip begins long before you leave home. Here’s a chronological guide.

Planning Timeline

Organize your pre-trip actions for a stress-free experience.

Months Before Travel

Flights & Accommodation

Book flights and lodging, especially for peak season.

Passport & Visa

Apply for or renew your passport. Obtain U.S. Visa or ESTA.

Theme Park Research

Start researching tickets, park reservations, and dining.

Month Before Travel

Itinerary Finalization

Finalize your daily itinerary, including park days and trips.

Transportation

Book your rental car or airport transfers in advance.

Health Checks

Consult your doctor and get documentation for medications.

Week Before Travel

Confirmations

Confirm all flight, hotel, and attraction reservations.

Financial Notification

Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel dates.

Apps and Weather

Download essential apps and check Orlando's extended forecast.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these items early to avoid availability issues.

Items to Book

Flights and accommodation (hotel, vacation rental).
Theme park tickets/passes (and park reservations for Disney).
Popular dining reservations, especially at theme parks.
Rental car or airport transportation.

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Gather information to shape your trip experience.

Research Topics

Park hours, parade/show times, and scheduled ride closures.
Current reviews for restaurants and attractions you plan to visit.
Various transportation options in Orlando.
Local events, festivals, or concerts during your visit.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure your home is secure and prepared for your absence.

Security

Lock all windows and doors.
Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
Pause newspaper delivery.
Arrange for pet care or house-sitting.

Utilities

Turn off unnecessary lights.
Unplug non-essential electronics.
Adjust thermostat settings for energy savings.
Consider smart home features for remote management.

Perishables & Documents

Water indoor plants.
Dispose of perishable food from your refrigerator.
Make digital scans of important documents (passport, tickets).
Store document copies separately from originals.

Travel Insurance Recommendation:

Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance. It offers peace of mind for unexpected events.

Arrival Checklist

These steps help you transition smoothly from arrival at the airport to settling into your accommodation.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration and Customs:
Proceed through U.S. Customs. Have your passport and visa/ESTA ready.
2
Luggage Collection:
Collect checked luggage from the baggage claim carousel.
3
Transportation:
Proceed to your pre-booked transportation (rental car, rideshare, shuttle).

Settling In

Hotel Location:
Locate your hotel or vacation rental address.
Check-in:
Check in and drop off your luggage at your accommodation.
Local Essentials:
Locate the nearest convenience store, pharmacy, or grocery store.

Currency & Immediate Needs

Cash Withdrawal

If you need cash, withdraw from an airport ATM upon arrival.

ATMs generally offer favorable exchange rates.

Immediate Purchases

Purchase bottled water or a quick snack.

This holds true if you didn't pack these items.

Airport Transfers

Follow your pre-booked transfer plans.

Know specific pick-up points at the airport.

Location Tip:

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is well-signposted. Follow signs for ground transportation.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure to make for a stress-free end to your Orlando trip.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

Purchase souvenirs a day or two before departure.
If purchases are large, arrange for shipping in advance.
Allow time for packing or visiting a postal service.
For packing and travel organization, consider products from Eagle Creek.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for travel to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Factor in potential traffic delays, especially on I-4.
Allow sufficient time for airline check-in and security screening.
Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international.

VAT Refund Procedures

Important information regarding sales tax.

Sales Tax in the U.S.

The United States has no national VAT system.No VAT
No Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund system for tourists.No GST Refund
Sales tax is paid at the point of purchase.Point of Sale
Sales tax is not refundable upon departure.Non-Refundable

Return Trip Preparation

Organize your luggage within airline weight and size limits.
Check out of your accommodation at the specified time.
Ensure all travel documents (passport, boarding passes) are accessible.
If returning a rental car, allow extra time for drop-off and shuttle to terminal.

Last Day Logistics:

Plan your final day's activities to align with your departure schedule.

This may involve morning park visits followed by airport transfer, or a leisurely breakfast before heading out.

Pre-Trip Checklist